METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CARRYING OUT A pH-INFLUENCED CHEMICAL AND/OR BIOLOGICAL REACTION

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion of CO 2  to a dissolved species.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/598,321, filed Aug. 29, 2012, by Stern et al., which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/528,449,filed Aug. 29, 2011, by Stern et al., each of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

This invention was made with government support under Contract Nos.DE-AR0000083 and DE-PI0000017 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods and systems forcarrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. Insome embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion ofCO₂ to a dissolved species.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of chemical and biological reactions are pH-influenced.That is, the pH of a reaction environment influences the rate,selectivity, etc., of the chemical and/or biological reaction. Currentmethods/systems for controlling the pH of a reaction environment includesequential addition of an acid and/or base and selective waterhydrolysis (e.g., with use of a membrane). However, currentmethods/systems have many disadvantages, including the need to replenishreagents (e.g., acid and/or base), inaccurate and/or imprecise pHchanges, and irreversibility. Accordingly, improved methods and/orsystems are needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a system for carrying out a pH-influenced chemicaland/or biological reaction is provided comprising a pH-adjustment zonecomprising a solution containing a complexation agent capable ofassociating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from thesolution upon exposure to an electrical potential; and a reaction zonein fluid connection with the pH adjustment zone, wherein the reactionzone comprises components and reagents for carrying out a pH-influencedchemical and/or biological reaction.

In some embodiments, a system for carrying out a pH-influenced chemicaland/or biological reaction is provided comprising a pH-adjustment zone,comprising a solution and an electrode exposed to the solution, whereinat least 30% of the electrode by weight comprises a complexation agentcapable of associating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base toand/or from the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential; and areaction zone in fluid connection with the pH-adjustment zone, whereinthe reaction zone comprises components and reagents for carrying out apH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction.

In some embodiments, a system is provided comprising a pH-adjustmentzone comprising a solution and a complexation agent in contact with thesolution, wherein the complexation agent is capable of associatingand/or disassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from the solutionupon exposure to an electrical potential; and a reaction zone in fluidcommunication with the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the reaction zonecomprises a CO₂ absorption column.

In some embodiments, a method is provided comprising providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction; exposing the complexation agent in the pH-adjustment zone toan electrical potential, wherein the complexation agent associatesand/or disassociates an acid and/or base to and/or from the solutionupon exposure to the electrical potential and causes the pH of thesolution to increase or decrease, thereby forming a pH-selected solutionhaving a selected pH; and flowing the pH-selected solution to thereaction zone, wherein the chemical and/or biological reaction isinfluenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thechemical and/or biological reaction causes the pH of the pH-selectedsolution to decrease or increase.

In some embodiments, a method is provided comprising providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced reaction involving theconversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species; exposing the complexationagent in the pH-adjustment zone to an electrical potential, wherein thecomplexation agent associates and/or disassociates an acid and/or baseto and/or from the solution upon exposure to the electrical potentialand causes the pH of the solution to increase or decrease, therebyforming a pH-selected solution having a selected pH; and flowing thepH-selected solution to the reaction zone, wherein the pH-influencedreaction involving the conversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species isinfluenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thereaction causes the pH of the pH-selected solution to decrease orincrease.

In some embodiments, a system for carrying out a pH-influenced chemicaland/or biological reaction is provided comprising a pH-adjustment zonecomprising a solution containing a complexation agent capable ofassociating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from thesolution upon exposure to an electrical potential, wherein the solutioncomprises at least one additive; and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH adjustment zone, wherein the reaction zone comprisescomponents and reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/orbiological reaction.

In some embodiments, a system for carrying out a pH-influenced chemicaland/or biological reaction is provided comprising a pH-adjustment zonecomprising a solution and a porous electrode, wherein the solutioncontains a complexation agent capable of associating and/ordisassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from the solution uponexposure to an electrical potential, and wherein at least a portion ofthe complexation agent intercalates into and/or de-intercalates from theelectrode during operation of the system; and a reaction zone in fluidconnection with the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the reaction onecomprises components and reagents for carrying out a pH-influencedchemical and/or biological reaction.

In some embodiments, a method is provided comprising providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction, and wherein the system further comprises at least oneadditive; exposing the complexation agent in the pH-adjustment zone toan electrical potential, wherein the complexation agent associatesand/or disassociates an acid and/or base to and/or from the solutionupon exposure to the electrical potential and causes the pH of thesolution to increase or decrease, thereby forming a pH-selected solutionhaving a selected pH; and flowing the pH-selected solution to thereaction zone, wherein the chemical and/or biological reaction isinfluenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thechemical and/or biological reaction causes the pH of the pH-selectedsolution to decrease or increase.

In some embodiments, a method is provided comprising providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction, and wherein the system comprises at least one porouselectrode; exposing the complexation agent in the pH-adjustment zone toan electrical potential, wherein the complexation agent associatesand/or disassociates an acid and/or base to and/or from the solutionupon exposure to the electrical potential and causes the pH of thesolution to increase or decrease, thereby forming a pH-selected solutionhaving a selected pH, and wherein at least a portion of the complexationagent intercalates into and/or de-intercalates from the porous electrodeduring the exposing step; and flowing the pH-selected solution to thereaction zone, wherein the chemical and/or biological reaction isinfluenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thechemical and/or biological reaction causes the pH of the pH-selectedsolution to decrease or increase.

For any of the methods and systems described above, the system mayfurther comprise at least one additive.

For any of the methods and systems described above, an electrode may beutilized, wherein the electrode comprises a porous material. In someembodiments, the complexation agent may intercalate and/orde-intercalate into the porous material (e.g., during exposure to anelectric potential).

For any of the methods and systems described above, the reaction zonemay comprise components and reagents for carrying out a pH-influencedreaction involving the conversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the acid may be aproton.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the base may be ahydroxide.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the pH of thepH-selected solution is may be about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, orabout 13.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the pH-adjustmentzone may comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. In someembodiments, the first electrode and/or the second electrode may beporous. In some embodiments, the first electrode may be in a firstcompartment and the second electrode may be in a second compartment. Insome embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment maybe separated by a membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane is anion-selective membrane.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the pH-adjustmentzone and the reaction zone may comprise a first container and a second,different, container. Alternatively, in some embodiments, thepH-adjustment zone and the reaction zone are comprised in the samecontainer.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the pH-influencedbiological and/or chemical reaction may involve the conversion of CO₂ toa dissolved species.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the change in pH ofthe solution may not be due to water electrolysis.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the complexationagent may be a solute in the solution.

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the complexationagent may be at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, atleast 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or atleast 99%, of an electrode by weight.

For any of the methods and systems described above, the complexationagent may be selected from the group consisting of:

PbSO₄+2H₂O

PbO₂+SO₄ ²⁻+4H⁺+2e⁻

QH₂

Q+2H⁺+2e⁻, wherein Q=quinone

QH₂+2OH⁻

Q+2H₂O+2e⁻, wherein Q=quinone

Cu+2OH⁻

CuO+H₂O+2e⁻

Cu

Cu²⁺+2e⁻

Cu²⁺+2OH⁻

Cu(OH₂)

Cu+2OH⁻

Cu(OH)₂+2e⁻

O₂+H₂O+4e⁻

4OH⁻

2Cu+O₂+H₂O

2Cu(OH)₂ or

2Fe+O₂+H₂O

2Fe(OH)₂

For any of the methods and systems summarized above, the system maycomprise a first type of complexation agent and a second type ofcomplexation agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 depict non-limiting systems of the present invention,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a Pourbaix diagram for PbSO₄.

FIG. 5 shows cyclic voltammetry curves for an electrochemical reactioninvolving quinone.

FIG. 6 depicts a non-limiting system of the present invention for use inthe conversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 plots pH measurements of an outlet stream as a function of timefor a non-limiting system wherein no electrical potential was provided(solid markers) and wherein a 10 mA electrical potential was provided(open markers), wherein the complexation agent comprises copper,according to a non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows photographs of a non-limiting system.

FIG. 9 a shows a plot of outlet pH values of a system, whereinbenzoquinone is converted into hydroquinone at the anode andhydroquinone is converted to benzoquinone at the cathode, according to anon-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 9 b shows a plot of the required potential to maintain a 10 mAcurrent over the course of the experiment shown in FIG. 9 a, accordingto a non-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a plot of outlet pH of a system, wherein lead is convertedinto lead dioxide at the anode and lead dioxide is converted to amixture of lead and lead sulfate at the cathode, according to anon-limiting embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a plot of CO₂ capacity per copper loading, according to anon-limiting embodiment.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show a diagram and a photograph, respectively, for asystem for capturing CO₂, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 a shows a non-limiting example of a schematic of the thermalamine stripping process, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 b shows a non-limiting example of a schematic of an example of aelectrochemical amine regeneration process comprising copper, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows a non-limiting schematic of an electrochemical system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows a current-voltage profile for a copper-2M EDA systemmeasured using galvanostatic pulses in the presence and absence of CO₂,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 a shows current and potential as a function of time for a singlegalvanostatic pulse, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 b shows Potential as a function of time for a series ofgalvanostatic pulses, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 shows equivalent RC circuits used to model dynamic behavior ofgalvanostatic pulses, according to some non-limiting embodiments.

Other aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying figures areschematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes ofclarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is everycomponent of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustrationis not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the invention. All patent applications and patentsincorporated herein by reference are incorporated by reference in theirentirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to methods and systems forcarrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. Insome embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion ofCO₂ to a dissolved species.

In some embodiments, the systems/methods described herein, through useof a chemically reversible Faradaic reaction of a complexation agent,modify the pH of a solution in contact with the complexation agent. Insome cases, the complexation agent is capable of associating and/ordisassociating an acid and/or a base to and/or from the solution uponexposure to an electrical potential, which in turns increases ordecreases the pH of the solution. In some cases, the acid is a protonand/or the base is a hydroxide. Generally, the complexation agent iselectrochemically active, that is, the complexation agent is stable inboth an oxidized and reduced state. Additionally, the complexation agentmay have dissimilar affinities for either acids (e.g., protons) or bases(e.g., hydroxides) when in different redox states.

In some cases, the complexation agent is capable of associating an acidfrom the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential, which inturns increases the pH of the solution. In some cases, the complexationagent is capable of dissociating an acid to the solution upon exposureto an electrical potential, which in turns decreases the pH of thesolution. In some cases, the complexation agent is capable ofassociating a base from the solution upon exposure to an electricalpotential, which in turns decreases the pH of the solution. In somecases, the complexation agent is capable of dissociating a base to thesolution upon exposure to an electrical potential, which in turnsincreases the pH of the solution. In some cases, the acid is a proton.In some cases, the base is a hydroxide.

It should be understood, that while much of the discussion hereinfocuses on complexation agents which associate with an acid, the acidbeing a proton, this is by no means limiting, and those of ordinaryskill in the art will be able to apply the teachings herein tosystems/methods comprising a complexation agent which associates with abase, and/or with an acid being other than a proton.

In some embodiments, a system and/or a method of the present inventionmay operate as follow. In some cases, a solution is provided containingprotons (or other acid) and is exposed to a complexation agent. Anelectrical potential can be applied to the complexation agent, whichcauses the complexation agent to associate with protons from thesolution. The association of protons with the complexation agent causesthe pH of the solution to increase (e.g., become more basic, as protonsare being removed from the solution), wherein the electrical potentialcan be applied in such a manner that a desired number of protons areremoved from the solution such that the pH of the solution reaches aselected pH and thus, a pH-selected solution is formed. The associationmay take place in a portion of the system termed a pH-adjustment zone.The pH-selected solution may then be used to influence the pH-influencedchemical and/or biological reaction. This may be accomplished byproviding the pH-selected solution to a portion of the system termed areaction zone (which may be the same or different than the pH-adjustmentzone), wherein reagents and components are present for carrying out apH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments,during the reaction, the chemical and/or biological reaction causes thepH of the pH-selected solution to decrease (e.g., due to release of theacid, thus causing the solution to become more acidic). To maintain thepH of the in the reaction zone and/or the pH of the pH-selectedsolution, additional solution from the pH-adjustment zone may be provideto the reaction zone. The systems and/or methods may be operated inbatch mode, in a semi-continuous mode, and/or a continuous mode.

The term “pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction,” as usedherein, refers to a chemical and/or biological reaction which isinfluenced by the pH of the solution of which the chemical and/orbiological reaction is taken place in. By “influenced” is meant that atleast one measureable parameter of the reaction is affected by the pH ofthe solution. Non-limiting parameters include the rate of the reaction,the selectivity of the reaction (e.g., percent of desired product versusside product(s); percent formation of desired stereoisomer, etc.),and/or the percent conversion of the reaction. As will be known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art, the pH of a solution for which a reactionis to take place can significantly affect the outcome of that reaction.For example, for many reactions, if the solution is not in a selected pHrange, the reaction may not occur or may be substantially slowed.Non-limiting examples of pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreactions are described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art willbe aware of suitable methods for determining whether a reaction isinfluenced by the pH of the reaction environment, including, but notlimiting, comparison of similar reactions carried out undersubstantially similar conditions, with the exception of the pH, andmonitoring the formation of a product and/or the type of product overtime (e.g., using one or more analytical techniques including, but notlimited to, HPLC, IR, NMR, etc.). In some cases, the reaction is achemical reaction. In some cases, the reaction is a biological reaction.

As used herein, a complexation agent generally refers to an agent (e.g.,chemical entity) which is capable of associating and/or dissociating anacid and/or a base upon exposure to an electrical potential. In someembodiments, the complexation agent is capable of associating with anacid or base upon exposure to a first electrical potential and iscapable of dissociating the acid or base upon exposure to a secondelectrical potential which is more negative than the first electricalpotential. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the complexation agent iscapable of associating with an acid or base upon exposure to a firstelectrical potential and is capable of dissociating the acid or baseupon exposure to a second electrical potential which is more positivethan the first electrical potential. In some embodiments, thecomplexation agent is capable of associating an acid upon exposure to afirst electrical potential and is capable of dissociating the acid uponexposure to a second electrical potential which is more negative thanthe first electrical potential. In some embodiments, the complexationagent is capable of associating a base upon exposure to a firstelectrical potential and is capable of dissociating the base uponexposure to a second electrical potential which is more negative thanthe first electrical potential. In some embodiments, the complexationagent is capable of associating an acid upon exposure to a firstelectrical potential and is capable of dissociating the acid uponexposure to a second electrical potential which is more positive thanthe first electrical potential. In some embodiments, the complexationagent is capable of associating a base upon exposure to a firstelectrical potential and is capable of dissociating the base uponexposure to a second electrical potential which is more positive thanthe first electrical potential. Generally, the complexation agentexhibits such reversible behavior upon exposure to different potentials.

In some embodiments, the association or disassociation of an acid or abase contained in a solution with the complexation agent causes the pHof the solution to change. For example, association of an acid with acomplexation agent and/or disassociation of a base from a complexationagent causes the pH of the solution to become more positive (e.g., morebasic), due to removal of the acid from and/or addition of the base tothe solution. Alternatively, disassociation of an acid from acomplexation agent or association of a base with a complexation agentcauses the pH of the solution to become more negative (e.g., moreacidic) due to addition of the acid to and/or removal of the base fromthe solution.

Accordingly, through application of a sufficient electric potential tosystem, the acidity or basicity of the solution can be controlled,wherein the pH of the solution is changed due to the association and/ordissociation of an acid and/or base with the complexation agent. Itshould be understood, however, that the change in the pH of the solutionis substantially caused by this process (e.g., association and/ordissociation of an acid and/or base), and is generally not caused by theproduction of product(s) of an electrochemical reaction. That is, the pHof the solution is not changed due to the production of a new chemicalentity formed by electrolysis of a material (e.g., other than thecomplexation agent). For example, previously, the pH of a solution hasbeen changed due to application of a potential which caused electrolysisof water, wherein the pH of the solution near an anode becomes acidicand pH of the solution near a cathode becomes basic (e.g., due to thelocal production of water electrolysis products). In some embodiments,the change in pH of the solution is not due to the presence of productsformed by water electrolysis. A benefit of the use of system wherein thepH can be changed by association and/or dissociation of an acid and/orbase with a complexation agent is that the pH of the solution can easilybe returned to its original state, simply by application of a secondpotential.

A number of non-limiting examples of systems of the present disclosurewill now be described in more detail. In some cases, a system comprisesa pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone. The pH-adjustment zone and thereaction zone may be in the same container/area or the two zones may bedifferent containers/areas which are in fluid connection with each other(e.g., such that a solution may be flow from the pH-adjustment zone tothe reaction zone and vice versa). In some embodiments, thepH-adjustment zone comprises a first container and contains thecomplexation agent and the reaction zone comprises a second containerdifferent from the first container and which contains the components andreagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction

The complexation agent may be contained in the solution, may be aportion of the electrode, and/or may be associated with an electrode. Insome embodiments, the pH-adjustment zone comprises a solution containinga complexation agent capable of associating and/or disassociating aproton and/or hydroxide to and/or from the solution upon exposure to anelectrical potential. In other embodiments, the complexation agent isassociated with an electrode and/or forms the electrode such that thesolution contains substantially no complexation agent. In yet anotherembodiment, the complexation agent is in solution and upon applicationof an electrical potential to the solution using an electrode, thecomplexation agent forms a material associated with the electrode and/ora solid in the solution wherein the solid can be contained in thepH-adjustment zone (e.g., by settling, filtration) and the pH-selectedsolution which is provided to the reaction zone contains essentially nocomplexation agent. In some cases, however, the complexation agent isselected such that the phase (e.g., solid, liquid, in solution) does notchange upon application of a voltage. Complexation agents are describedin more detail herein. In some embodiments, wherein a system is to beused for the conversion of gas (e.g., H₂S, SO₂, CO₂) to a dissolvedspecies, the reaction zone may comprise an absorption column. Inembodiments wherein a system is to be used for the conversion of CO₂ toa dissolved species, the reaction zone may comprise a CO₂ absorptioncolumn.

In some embodiments, a system comprises a pH-adjustment zone and areaction zone which may be the same or different than the pH-adjustmentzone, provided the pH-adjustment zone and the reaction zone are in fluidcommunication with each other. The pH-adjustment zone may comprise asolution and an electrode exposed to the solution, wherein at least 30%of the electrode by weight comprises a complexation agent (e.g., capableof associating and/or disassociating an acid and/or a base to and/orfrom the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential). The term“fluid communication” as used herein refers to two components or regionscontaining a fluid, where the components or regions are connectedtogether (e.g., by direct contact, or via a line, pipe, tubing, etc.) sothat a fluid can flow between the two components or regions. Therefore,two chambers which are in “fluid communication” can, for example, beconnected together by a line between the two chambers, such that a fluidcan flow freely between the two chambers.

FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a system of the invention. InFIG. 1, the system comprises container 2, first electrode 4 (e.g.,anode) in electrical communication with second electrode 6 (e.g.,cathode) via circuit 10, and solution 8 in contact with both firstelectrode 4 and second electrode 6. Circuit 10 may optionally comprisecircuit component 11, e.g., power source, resistor, and/or capacitor.The system also comprises ion-permeable membrane 16 separating firstelectrode 4 from second electrode 6, and which allows for anions 12 tomove from the first electrode side to the second electrode side and/orcations 14 to move from the second electrode side the first electrodeside. Ion-migration balances the electroneutrality between the firstelectrode and the second electrode sides. Solution 8 containscomplexation agent 18 (represented by circles). The pH of the solutioncan be changed by application of an electrical potential (e.g., betweenthe first electrode and/or second electrode) which causes the pH of thesolution to 1) decrease or 2) increase, depending on whether theapplication of the electrical potential causes the complexation agentto 1) associate a base and/or dissociate an acid, or 2) associate anacid and/or dissociate a base, respectively. The pH of the solution canbe changed to a desired pH, which upon reaching it influences thepH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. This type of systemis generally employed for use with pH-influenced reactions which arecarried out in batches. That is, a set amount of reagents are providedto the system. If the pH of the solution reaches an undesired levelduring the reaction, additional electrical potential may be applied tocause the complexation agent to associate and/or dissociate more of theacid and/or base in the solution. The pH-influenced reaction is carriedout until the reaction reaches a certain completion, followed byisolation of the product(s). Following completion of the reaction, ifthe pH-influenced reaction causes the pH of the solution to change,additional electrical potential may be applied to cause the complexationagent to associate and/or dissociate more of the acid and/or base in thesolution such that a second batch of reagents can be provided to thesolution and the pH-influenced reaction can be carried out.Advantageously, the system may also be regenerated between batches byapplication of a second electrical potential, wherein application of asecond electrical potential causes the complexation agent to return toits original form. It should be understood that a variation of a batchsystem may comprise use of more than one type of complexation agent. Insome embodiments, a system may comprise a first type of complexationagent and a second type of complexation agent. As a specific example, insome embodiments, a first type of complexation agent is present on theanode side and a second type of complexation agent is present on thecathode side, wherein upon application of a voltage to the system, eachof the first type and the second type of complexation agents associatesand/or dissociates an acid and/or base in a complementary way, such thatthe pH of the solution increases or decreases. It should also beunderstood that the system in FIG. 1 could readily be employed inembodiments where the complexation agent forms the electrode or aportion of the electrode (e.g., a solid complexation agent).

FIG. 2 illustrates another non-limiting example of a system of theinvention. As opposed to the system in FIG. 1 which is generallyemployed for use with pH-influenced reactions which are carried out inbatches, the system in FIG. 2 can be used to carry out semi-continuousand/or continuous reactions (e.g., wherein the reagents for the reactionare refreshed and/or the products of the reaction are removed while thesystem is in operation).

The system in FIG. 2 comprises pH-adjustment zone 30 which comprises afirst container and reaction zone 32 which comprises a second container.pH-adjustment zone 30 is in fluid communication with reaction zone 32via fluid conduits 34 and 36. pH-adjustment zone 30 contains thecomplexation agent (e.g., having a form as described herein) andcomponents (e.g., first electrode, second electrode, power source, etc.)for applying an electrical potential to the complexation agent. In thisembodiment, the pH-adjustment zone contains the components to carry outboth halves of an electrochemical reaction or comprises the componentsto carry out one half of an electrochemical reaction and is associatedwith another device which is capable of balancing the electrochemicalreaction (e.g., a capacitor, a second half cell). Reaction zone 32contains the component and reagents necessary for carrying out apH-influenced reaction. A solution may be flowed between thepH-adjustment zone and the reaction zone. In the pH-adjustment zone, thepH of the solution in the pH-adjustment zone may be adjusted to aselected pH (e.g., thereby forming a pH-selected solution) by applyingan electrical potential which causes the complexation agent to associateand/or dissociate an acid and/or base. In the reaction zone, thepH-influenced reaction may be influenced by introduction of thepH-selected solution to the zone (e.g., via fluid conduit 34). Thereaction may cause the pH of solution in the reaction zone to decreaseor increase. When the pH in the reaction zone is not at the desiredlevel, additional solution from the pH-adjustment zone can be providedthereby changing the pH of the solution in the reaction zone.Optionally, at least a portion of the solution in the reaction zone maybe returned to the pH-adjustment zone (e.g., via conduit 36).

A specific example of a system as described in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG.3. In FIG. 3, the system comprises pH-adjustment zone 50 and reactionzone 52 in fluid communication with the pH-adjustment zone by fluidconduits 54. pH-adjustment zone 50 comprises first electrode 56 (e.g.,anode), second electrode 58 (e.g., cathode), solution 60, and membrane62 (e.g., ion exchange membrane). In this figure, the complexation agentmay be a portion of an electrode and/or may be contained in thesolution. Upon application of a potential to the second electrode, thecomplexation agent dissociates an acid and/or base from the solution andthus the pH of the solution is changed to form a pH-selected solution.The pH-selected solution is flowed to reaction zone (e.g., via fluidconduits 54), wherein a pH-influenced reaction is carried out. In thisexample, the pH of the solution in the reaction zone is decreased orincreased, and is flowed back into the pH-adjustment zone (e.g., viafluid conduit 54) wherein the pH of the solution can again be changed toa selected pH. See FIG. 6 described below for a more detaileddescription of a similar system for use in CO₂ conversion to a dissolvedspecies.

In a non-limiting example of a complexation agent for use in FIG. 2, thesecond electrode may comprise Cu(OH)₂ (e.g., such that the reaction atthe second electrode is Cu(OH)₂+2e⁻→Cu+2OH⁻) and the first electrode maycomprise Cu (e.g., such that the reaction at the first electrode isCu+2OH⁻→Cu(OH)₂+2e⁻). As another non-limiting example, the complexationagent may be quinone and the reactions may be:

wherein each R can be the same or different and is a suitablesubstituent (e.g., hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, etc., each optionallysubstituted). In some embodiments, each R is the same or different andis hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl,or optionally substituted heteroalkyl. In some embodiments, each R isthe same or different and is H or optionally substituted alkyl. In someembodiments, each R is H.

Complexation agents will now be described in more detail. As notedabove, the complexation agent may be provided in a solution (e.g., issoluble in the solution), may be a portion of the electrode, and/or maychange phases depending on its environment (e.g., may be a solute at afirst pH and a solid at a second pH). Generally, the complexation agentis a capable of associate and/or dissociating with an acid and/or a baseupon application of an electrical potential to the complexation agent.In embodiments where a soluble complexation agent is employed, the agentmay be reduced at the cathode and oxidized at the anode. As will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art, if solutions are beingadded or removed, loss of the redox agent should be avoided, e.g.,through appropriate separation techniques at any outlets. The agent isgenerally inactive or substantially inactive during the external pHdependent process. In some cases, a system/method may comprise more thanone type of complexation agent (e.g., a first type of complexation agentand a second type of complexation agent different from the first type ofcomplexation agent).

Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware that each type ofcomplexation agent will have a suitable pH range in which it is capableof affecting the pH of a solution to which it is exposed. For example, afirst type of complexation agent may be capable of changing the pH of asolution between a pH of about 7 to a pH of about 3 and a second type ofcomplexation agent may be capable of changing the pH of a solutionbetween a pH of about 7 to a pH of about 10. In addition, each type ofcomplexation agent may require a different range of electricalpotentials to cause association and/or dissociation of an acid and/orbase.

In some embodiments, the complexation agent may be used to change the pHof the solution from a pH of about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, orabout 13, by about 1 pH unit, about 2 pH units, about 3 pH units, about4 pH units, about 5 pH units, about 6 pH units, about 7 pH units, about8 pH units, about 9 pH units, about 10 pH units, about 11 pH units, orabout 12 pH units. The pH of the pH-selected solution may be about 1,about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9,about 10, about 11, about 12, or about 13. In some embodiments, the pHof the pH-selected solution is between about 0 and about 14, or betweenabout 1 and 13, or between about 1 and about 6, or between about 1 and5, or between about 1 and about 4, or between about 1 and about 3, orbetween about 1 and about 2, or between about 0.1 and about 4, orbetween about 8 and about 13, or between about 9 and about 13, orbetween about 10 and about 13, or between about 11 and about 13, orbetween about 12 and about 13, or between about 10 and about 13.

In some cases, the association and/or dissociation of a pH requires anapplication of an electrical potential of about +/−0.1 volts, about+/−0.2 volts, about +/−0.3 volts, about +/−0.4 volts, about +/−0.5volts, about +/−0.6 volts, about +/−0.7 volts, about +/−0.8 volts, about+/−0.9 volts, about +/−1 volts, about +/−1.1 volts, about +/−1.2 volts,about +/−1.3 volts, about +/−1.4 volts, about +/−1.5 volts, about +/−1.6volts, about +/−1.7 volts about +/−1.8 volts, about +/−1.9 volts, about+/−2.0 volts, or about +/−2.5 volts. In some cases, the electricalpotential is less than that required for the oxidation of water (e.g.,-1.23 volts versus standard hydrogen electrode). In some embodiments,the application of the electrical potential is between about +/−0.1 andabout +/−2.5 volts, or between about +/−0.1 and about +/−2 volts, orbetween about +/−0.1 and about +/−1.5 volts, or between about +/−0.1 andabout +/−1 volts, or between about +/−0.5 and about +/−2.5 volts, orbetween about +/−0.5 and about +/−2 volts, or between about +/−1 andabout +/−2.5 volts, or between about +/−1 and about +/−2 volts. Those ofordinary skill in the art will be aware of suitable methods and systemfor applying an electrical potential to a complexation agent (e.g., withuse of a first electrode, a second electrode, and/or a power supply).

In some embodiments, the complexation agent is provided in a solution(e.g., to solution to be converted to a pH-selected solution). Theconcentration of the complexation agent in the solution may be about 0.1M, about 0.2 M, about 0.3 M, about 0.4 M, about 0.5 M, about 0.6 M,about 0.7 M, about 0.8 M, about 0.9 M, about 1 M, about 1.2 M, about 1.4M, about 1.5 M, about 1.75 M, about 2 M, about 2.5 M, about 3 M, about 4M, about 5M, or greater. In some embodiments, the concentration of thecomplexation agent is between about 0.1 M and about 5 M, or betweenabout 0.1 M and about 4 M, or between about 0.1 M and about 3 M, orbetween about 0.1 M and about 2 M, or between about 0.1 M and about 1 M,or between about 0.5 M and about 3 M, or between about 0.5 M and about 2M.

In some embodiments, the complexation agent is provided as a solid. Insome cases, the complexation agent may be formed on the surface of asubstrate which is functioning as an electrode. In some cases, theelectrode may comprise the complexation agent. In some cases, theelectrode comprises the complexation agent, wherein at least about 10%,at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at leastabout 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%,at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, at leastabout 99%, or more, of the electrode by weight is the complexationagent.

The following equations describe non-limiting examples of complexationagents:

PbSO₄+2H₂O

PbO₂+SO₄ ²⁻+4H⁺+2e⁻E⁰=−1.685 (vs. SHE)   (1)

QH₂

Q+2H⁺+2e⁻, wherein Q=quinone E⁰≈0.1 (vs. SHE)   (2)

QH₂+2OH⁻

Q+2H₂O+2e⁻, wherein Q=quinone   (3)

Cu+2OH⁻

CuO+H₂O+2e⁻  (4)

Cu

Cu²⁺+2e⁻E⁰=−0.34 (vs. SHE)   (5)

Cu²⁺+2OH⁻

Cu(OH)₂K_(sp)=2.2×10²⁰   (6)

Cu+2OH⁻

Cu(OH)₂+2e⁻E⁰=0.27 (vs. SHE)   (⁷)

O₂+H₂O+4e⁻

4OH⁻E⁰=0.4 (SHE)   (8)

2Cu+O₂+H₂O

2Cu(OH)₂E⁰=0.67 (SHE)   (9)

2Fe+O₂+H₂O

2Fe(OH)₂E⁰=1.34 (SHE)   (10)

The compounds in equation 1 may be useful to low pH ranges, thecompounds in equations 2-3 may be useful for mid-pH ranges, and thecompounds in equations 4-10 may be useful for high pH ranges. FIG. 4shows a Pourbaix diagram (e.g., a potential/pH diagram) for the leadreaction shown in Equation 1. FIG. 5 shows cyclic voltammetry curves forthe reaction in Equation 3. In some embodiments, the complexation agentis PbSO₄ and/or PbO₂; or QH₂ and Q, wherein Q is quinone, optionallysubstituted; or Cu and/or CuO; Cu and/or Cu(OH)₂; or O₂ and/or OH⁻; orFe and/or Fe(OH)₂.

In some embodiments, methods are provided. In one embodiment, a methodcomprises providing a system comprising a pH-adjustment zone and areaction zone in fluid connection with the pH-adjustment zone, whereinthe pH-adjustment comprises a complexation agent, and wherein thereaction zone comprises components and reagents for carrying out apH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. The complexationagent in the pH-adjustment zone may be exposed to an electricalpotential, wherein the complexation agent associates and/ordisassociates an acid and/or a base to and/or from the solution uponexposure to the electrical potential and causes the pH of the solutionto increase or decrease, thereby forming a pH-selected solution having aselected pH. This solution may be flowed to the reaction zone, whereinthe chemical and/or biological reaction is influenced by the pH of thepH-selected solution, and wherein the chemical and/or biologicalreaction causes the pH of the pH-selected solution to decrease orincrease. In another embodiment, a method comprises providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent, and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced reaction involving theconversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species. For example, the conversion ofCO₂ may involve the capture, absorption, and/or dissolution of CO₂. In aparticular embodiment, the conversion of CO₂ may involve capture of CO₂with a base (e.g., an amine, ammonia) to form a dissolved species (e.g.,a bicarbonate, a carbamate, etc.). The complexation agent in thepH-adjustment zone may be exposed to an electrical potential, whereinthe complexation agent associates and/or disassociates an acid and/or abase to and/or from the solution upon exposure to the electricalpotential and causes the pH of the solution to increase or decrease,thereby forming a pH-selected solution having a selected pH. Thissolution may be flowed to the reaction zone, wherein the pH-influencedreaction involving the conversion of CO₂ (e.g., to a dissolved species)is influenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thereaction causes the pH of the pH-selected solution to decrease orincrease.

The systems and methods of the present invention may find applicationfor carrying out a variety of pH-influenced reactions. For example, manybiological reactions involving enzymes are pH sensitive. Applications ofthe systems/methods include, but are not limited to, acid or basecatalysis, acid or basic gas scrubbing, regeneration of hydroxides fromcarbonates (e.g., currently done in paper pulp processing), and other pHdependent separations such as crystallization, actuation of pHresponsive polymers, and sterilization.

In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods may be used inapplications involving acid or base catalysts. For example,transesterification reactions and Aldol reactions in industry thatrequire acidic or basic conditions in order to catalyze hydration ordehydration reactions.

In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods may be used inapplications involving acid or basic gas scrubbing. Gas scrubbing iscommonly employed to prevent the release of toxic chemicals (e.g.,ammonia or hydrochloric acid) as well as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbondioxide or sulfur dioxide) which are produced as byproduct in a varietyof reactions. Acids and bases can be used as effective sorbents forthese cases, for example, if the acid or base is a Lewis acid or a Lewisbase, respectively.

In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods may be used inapplications, wherein the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversionof CO₂ (e.g., to a dissolved species). Such systems provide manyadvantages over current methods, including lower costs, increasedefficiency (e.g., due to the need for less heating), the ability tooperate under higher pressures (if desired), and/or fewer side products.In addition, the system may be capable of being regenerated.

In some embodiments, a system/method for the capture of CO₂ from gaseousstreams containing a mixture of gases is provided wherein at least aportion of the system/method comprises the conversion of CO₂ (e.g., to adissolved species). Such system may comprise the use of an aminesolution (e.g., a basic solution). When the amine is present insolution, the CO₂ and the amine can associate to form an amine-CO₂complex (e.g., a carbamate) and thus the CO₂has been converted to adissolved species. Disassociation of the amine from the amine-CO₂complex causes the CO₂ gas to reform. The amine may be provided to orremoved from the solution by disassociating or associating with acomplexation agent, respectively, which causes the pH of the solution toincrease or decrease, respectively.

As a specific example of such a system, the process may comprise thecomplexation agents comprising copper. As will be known to those ofordinary skill in the art, Cu(II) is capable of coordinating withligands containing amine and/or carboxylic acid groups. When removingCu(II) from the solution, either Cu(I) species or Cu(0) could be formedto reduce the competition for CO₂

A non-limiting set of reactions which may occur in a system for CO₂conversion is provided below in Equations 11-14. In these equations, aprimary amine (e.g., RNH₂, wherein R is alkyl, aryl, etc., eachoptionally substituted) is reversibly provided to and/or removed from asolution via disassociation or association with a complexation agentcomprising copper, respectively, thereby changing the pH of thesolution. It should be noted that the copper/amine complexes may also beassociated with hydroxide anions, which are not shown here for clarity.

Absorption: 2RNH₂+CO₂→RNHCOO⁻+RNH₃ ⁺  (11)

Activation: Cu→Cu²⁺+2e⁻  (12)

Desorption: Cu⁺² +RNH₃ ⁺+RNHCOO⁻→[Cu.(RNH₂)₂]⁺² +CO₂   (13)

Regeneration: [Cu.(RNH₂)₂]⁺² +2e⁻⁺→Cu+2RNH₂   (14)

The system can operate as follows and as illustrated in FIG. 6. A feedgas comprising CO₂ and other gaseous materials (e.g., N₂) is provided byinlet 200 and is flowed through column 202 which comprises a primaryamine and out through outlet 201. During the flow through the columncomprising RNH₂, absorption occurs as per Equation 11, thereby formingRNHCOO⁻. The resulting RNHCOO⁻ (e.g., in solution) species is providedto anode container 204 containing anode 206. For example, RNHCOO⁻ may bein a solution and may be flowed to anode container 204 via fluidconnectors 208. The system may optionally comprise a pump (e.g., 215)which can be used to circulate the solution throughout the system. Inthis example, anode 206 comprises Cu(0). Upon application of anelectrical potential to anode 206, Cu(II) ions may form (e.g., as perequation 12). The Cu(II) ions may react with the RNHCOO⁻ present insolution (e.g., via Equation 13), thereby causing CO₂ to be released and[Cu.(RNH₂)₂]⁺² to form. This solution can be provided, optionally viaflash tank 218 (e.g., to allow release and collection of CO₂ gas) tocathode container 212 comprising cathode 214. For example, a solutioncontaining [Cu.(RNH₂)₂]⁺² of Equation 13 may be flown via fluid conduit216 to flash tank 208 wherein the CO₂ rich gas may be collected (e.g.,via outlet 210), followed by flowing the solution via fluid conduit 218to cathode container 212. Cathode container 214 and anode container 204may be optionally separated by membrane 213. In cathode container 212,application of an electric potential can cause [Cu.(RNH₂)₂]⁺² todissociate, thereby reforming Cu(0) and regenerating the primary amine(e.g., via Equation 14). Accordingly, FIG. 6 illustrates a regenerablesystem for the collection of CO₂ gas. See also Example 1.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select othermaterials and reaction to which the above described systems/methods maybe used. For example, while this example described use of an oxidizedspecies in solution and a reduced species as a solid, those of ordinaryskill in the art will be able to employ materials in which both theoxidized and reduces species are in solution. In some embodiments, anelectrode may be utilized which comprises a different material than thecomplexation agent, and the complexation agent may be provided insolution and may associate and/or dissociate from the electrode duringoperation (e.g., via intercalation and/or de-intercalation). Forexample, the system may employ solutions comprising amines, the use ofsuspended copper and copper oxide particles with glassy carbonelectrodes instead of Cu/CuO electrodes, and/or other complexationagents. During operation, copper may associate and/or dissociate (e.g.,intercalate and/or de-intercalate) with one or more of the electrodes.

In some embodiments, an electrode is utilized comprising a porousmaterial, wherein the complexation agent intercalates into and/orde-intercalated from the electrode during operation of a system and/or amethod. The term intercalate is given its ordinary meaning in the artand refers to the ability of an ion (e.g., a complexation agent such ascopper) to insert into an electrode. An ion is said to reversiblyintercalate if it can de-intercalate (e.g., deinsert), without undulystressing the electrode, so that electrode performance is maintainedover repeated cycling. For example, in some embodiments, the electrodecomprises a porous material and the complexation agent (e.g., comprisingcopper) reversibly intercalates into the electrode by plating on thesurface (e.g., include any pores, if present). In some embodiments, boththe anode and the cathode are constructed such that complexation agentreversibly intercalates.

In some embodiments, use of a porous electrode as an intercalation/de-intercalation material for the complexation agent provides manyadvantages over use of a solid electrode with a solubilized complexationagent and/or an electrode formed of the complexation agent. For example,utilizing a intercalation /de-intercalation material may significantlyimprove the cycling stability of a system and/or a method, as the porousstructure improves order and/or reversibility of the system and/ormethod as compared to use of a solid electrode formed of thecomplexation material and/or an electrode formed of material other thanthe complexation agent, wherein the complexation agent associates and/ordissociates from the outer surface of the electrode (e.g., a non-porouselectrode).

The porous electrode may be made of any suitable material and/or maycomprise any suitable shape or size. In a non-limiting embodiment, theelectrode comprises a porous carbonaceous material. The termcarbonaceous material is given its ordinary meaning in the art andrefers to a material comprising carbon or graphite that is electricallyconductive. Non-limiting example of carbonaceous materials includecarbon nanotubes, carbon fibers (e.g., carbon nanofibers), and/orgraphite. It should be understood that an electrode that comprises acarbonaceous material may be an electrode which consists or consistsessentially of the carbonaceous material, or may be an electrode inwhich only a portion of the electrode comprises a carbonaceous material.For example, at least a portion of the electrode in electrical contactwith the electrolyte may comprise a carbonaceous material. In suchembodiments, the electrode may be partially fabricated from thecarbonaceous material or the carbonaceous material may be deposited overan underlying material. The underlying material generally comprises aconductive material, for example, a metal. Other non-limiting examplesof conductive materials are described herein.

In some embodiments, an electrode is porous. The porosity of anelectrode may be measured as a percentage or fraction of the void spacesin the photoactive electrode. The percent porosity of an electrode maybe measured using techniques known to those of ordinary skill in theart, for example, using volume/density methods, water saturationmethods, water evaporation methods, mercury intrusion porosimetrymethods, and nitrogen gas adsorption methods. In some embodiments, theelectrode may be at least about 10% porous, at least about 20% porous,at least about 30% porous, at least about 40% porous, at least about 50%porous, at least about 60% porous, or greater. The pores may be openpores (e.g., have at least one part of the pore open to an outer surfaceof the electrode and/or another pore) and/or closed pores (e.g., thepore does not comprise an opening to an outer surface of the electrodeor another pore). In some cases, the pores of an electrode may consistessentially of open pores (e.g., the pores of the electrode are greaterthan at least 70%, greater than at least 80%, greater than at least 90%,greater than at least 95%, or greater, of the pores are open pores). Insome cases, only a portion of the electrode may be substantially porous.For example, in some cases, only a single surface of the electrode maybe substantially porous. As another example, in some cases, the outersurface of the electrode may be substantially porous and the inner coreof the electrode may be substantially non-porous. In a particularembodiment, the entire electrode is substantially porous.

Generally, the systems/methods comprise at least one solution in whichthe pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction occurs. In someembodiments, the solution functions as an electrolyte. An electrolyte,as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, is any substancecontaining free ions that is capable of functioning as an ionicallyconductive medium. In some cases, the electrolyte is a liquid. In manyembodiments, the solution comprises water. In some cases, the solutioncomprises mixtures of solvents, such as water, organic solvents, amines,and the like. In some cases, the starting pH of the solution is aboutneutral (e.g., prior to changing the pH by application of an electricalpotential to the complexation agent). That is, the pH of the electrolytemay be between about 5.5 and about 8.5, between about 6.0 and about 8.0,about 6.5 about 7.5, and/or the pH is about 7.0. In a particular case,the pH is about 7.0. In other cases, the pH of the electrolyte is aboutneutral or acidic. In these cases, the pH may range from about 0 toabout 8, about 1 to about 8, about 2 to about 8, about 3 to about 8,about 4 to about 8, about 5 to about 8, about 0 to about 7.5, about 1 toabout 7.5, about 2 to about 7.5, about 3 to about 7.5, about 4 to about7.5, about 5 to about 7.5. In yet other cases, the pH may be betweenabout 6 and about 10, about 6 and about 11, about 7 and about 14, about2 and about 12, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the pH isbetween about 6 and about 8, between about 5.5 and about 8.5, betweenabout 5.5 and about 9.5, between about 5 and about 9, between about 3and about 11, between about 4 and about 10, or any other combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the solution comprises water, an amine(e.g., for association with copper), and one or more additives (e.g., asalt, as described in more detail herein). In some embodimetns, theamine is present in a concentration between about 0.5 M and about 5M, orbetween about 1 M and about 5 M, or between about 1M and about 3M, orabout 2 M.

In some embodiments, the solution comprises one or more additives.Addition of the additives to the solution may have many benefits, forexample, increasing energy efficiency of the electrochemical systemand/or method, for example, the formation and removal of thecomplexation agent by electrochemical dissolution and deposition.Generally, the additive is not consumed by the reaction. In someembodiments, addition of one or more additives to the solution increasesenergy efficiency of the system by at least about 10%, or about 20%, orabout 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%, or about 60%, or about 70%, orabout 80%, or about 90%, or about 100%, as compared to a substantiallysimilar system which does not comprise the one or more additives that isoperated under substantially similar conditions. A non-limiting methodfor determining the energy efficiency of a system and/or the increase inthe energy efficiency of a system upon a change in parameters (e.g.,addition of an additive) is described herein, for example, see theExamples section. In some embodiment, the energy of capture for a methodand/or system operated in the presence of an additive decreases by atleast about 10%, or about 20%, or about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50%,or about 60%, or about 70%, or about 80%, or about 90%, or about 100% ascompared an essentially similar method and/or system operated in theabsence of the additive under essentially similar conditions. Forexample, in a system/method for capturingCO₂, wherein when the systemwas operated at about 1000 A/m², an activation overpotential of about 30kJ/mole CO₂ captured was determined in the absence of an additive,whereas in the presence of an additive (e.g., a halide salt such assodium chloride, sodium bromide, ammonium bromide, ammonium chloride,),the value decreased to about 10 - 15 kJ/mole (see, for example, Example7).

In some embodiments, the additive is present in a concentration betweenabout 0.5 M and about 5M, or between about 1 M and about 5 M, or betweenabout 1M and about 3M, or about 2 M.

In some embodiments, the additive is a salt. In some embodiments, theadditive comprises the structure [M]^(p+)[X]^(p−) or n[M]^(m+)m[X]^(n−),wherein [M]p⁺ and [M]^(m+) are cations, [X]^(p−) and [X]^(n−) areanions, each p is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and m and n are different and are 1, 2,3, or 4. In some embodiments, each p is 1. In some embodiments, each pis 2. In some embodiments, the additive comprises an metal salt, forexample, an alkali metal salt or an alkaline metal salt.

In some embodiments, [M]^(p+) or [M]^(m+) is an alkali metal ion. Insome embodiments, [M]^(p+) or [M]^(m+) is an alkaline metal ion. In someembodiments, [M]^(p+) or [M]^(m+) is sodium. In some embodiments[M]^(p+) or [M]^(m+)is NR⁴⁺, wherein each R is the same or different andis hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedheteroalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substitutedheteroaryl. In some embodiments, [M]^(p+) or [M]^(m+) is NH₄ ⁺. Othernon-limiting examples of cations include K⁺, Li⁺, Mg⁺², Ca⁺², and Sr⁺².

In some embodiments, [X]^(p−) or [X]^(n−) is a halide. In someembodiments, [X]^(p−) or [X]^(n−) is bromide. In some embodiments,[X]^(p−) or [X]^(n−) is chloride. In some embodiments, [X]^(p−) or[X]^(n−) is carbonate. Other non-limiting embodiments of anions will beknown to those of ordinary skill in the ar, for example, CO₃ ⁻², SO₄ ⁻²,SO₃ ⁻², PO₄ ⁻², and PO₃ ⁻³.

As a non-limiting embodiment, wherein the complexation comprisescomprise the system/method utilizes an amine, an additive comprisingsodium bromide or ammonium bromide may be utilized. In such embodiments,the energy efficiency of the system may increase by at least about 30%,or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, orat least about 70%, or more, as compared to a substantially similarsystem which does not comprise the additive and is operated undersubstantially similar conditions.

The methods and/or systems may be utilized at any suitable temperature.In some embodiments, the methods and/or systems are operated at aboutroom temperature (e.g., about 25° C. In some embodiments, the methodsand/or systems are operated at a temperature between about 25° C. andabout 100° C., or between about 25° C. and about 90° C., or betweenabout 25° C. and about 80° C., or between about 25° C. and about 75° C.,between about 25° C. and about 70° C.

Various components of a system, such as the electrode, power source,electrolyte, separator, container, circuitry, insulating material, gateelectrode, etc. can be fabricated by those of ordinary skill in the artfrom any of a variety of components, as well as those described in anyof those patent applications described herein. Components may be molded,machined, extruded, pressed, isopressed, infiltrated, coated, in greenor fired states, or formed by any other suitable technique. Those ofordinary skill in the art are readily aware of techniques for formingcomponents of system herein.

In some embodiments, a system comprises at least one electrode, or atleast two electrode, or two electrodes. In some cases, an electrodecomprises a complexation agent, as described herein. In embodiments,wherein the electrode is not formed of the complexation agent, anelectrode may comprise any material that is substantially electricallyconductive. The electrode may be transparent, semi-transparent,semi-opaque, and/or opaque. The electrode may be a solid, semi-porous orporous. Non-limiting examples of electrodes include indium tin oxide(ITO), fluorine tin oxide (FTO), glassy carbon, metals,lithium-containing compounds, metal oxides (e.g., platinum oxide, nickeloxide), graphite, nickel mesh, carbon mesh, and the like. Non-limitingexamples of suitable metals include gold, copper, silver, platinum,nickel, cadmium, tin, and the like. In some instances, the electrode maycomprise nickel (e.g., nickel foam or nickel mesh). The electrodes mayalso be any other metals and/or non-metals known to those of ordinaryskill in the art as conductive (e.g., ceramics). The electrode may be ofany size or shape. Non-limiting examples of shapes include sheets,cubes, cylinders, hollow tubes, spheres, and the like. The electrode maybe of any size. Additionally, the electrode may comprise a means toconnect the electrode to another electrode, a power source, and/oranother electrical device.

Various electrical components of system may be in electricalcommunication with at least one other electrical component by a meansfor connecting. A means for connecting may be any material that allowsthe flow of electricity to occur between a first component and a secondcomponent. A non-limiting example of a means for connecting twoelectrical components is a wire comprising a conductive material (e.g.,copper, silver, etc.). In some cases, the system may also compriseelectrical connectors between two or more components (e.g., a wire andan electrode). In some cases, a wire, electrical connector, or othermeans for connecting may be selected such that the resistance of thematerial is low. In some cases, the resistances may be substantiallyless than the resistance of the electrodes, electrolyte, and/or othercomponents of the system.

In some embodiments, a power source may supply DC voltage to a system.Non-limiting examples include batteries, power grids, regenerative powersupplies (e.g., wind power generators, photovoltaic cells, tidal energygenerators), generators, and the like. The power source may comprise oneor more such power supplies (e.g., batteries and a photovoltaic cell).In a particular embodiment, the power supply is a photovoltaic cell.

In some embodiments, a system may comprise a separating membrane. Aseparating membrane may be made of suitable material, for example, aplastic film. Non-limiting examples of plastic films included includepolyamide, polyolefin resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resin, oracrylic resin and containing lithium carbonate, or potassium hydroxide,or sodium-potassium peroxide dispersed therein. In some cases, themembrane may be an anion exchange membrane and/or cation exchangemembrane (i.e., ones with anion and/or cation exchangeable ions) whichare readily available from commercial sources. Non-limiting examples ofanionic exchange membranes includepoly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene),poly(hexafluoropropylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene),poly(epichlorhydrin-ally glycidyl ether), poly(ether imide),poly(ethersulfone) cardo, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide),polysulfone, or polyethersulfone, associated with a plurality ofcationic species (e.g., quaternary ammonium groups, phosphonium groups,etc.).

A container may be any receptacle, such as a carton, can, or jar, inwhich components of a system may be held or carried. A container may befabricated using any known techniques or materials, as will be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in some instances, thecontainer may be fabricated from gas, polymer, metal, and the like. Thecontainer may have any shape or size, providing it can contain thecomponents of the system. Components of the system may be mounted in thecontainer. That is, a component (e.g., an electrode) may be associatedwith the container such that it is immobilized with respect to thecontainer, and in some cases, is supported by the container. A componentmay be mounted to the container using any common method and/or materialknown to those skilled in the art (e.g., screws, wires, adhesive, etc.).The component may or might not physically contact the container. In somecases, an electrode may be mounted in the container such that theelectrode is not in contact with the container, but is mounted in thecontainer such that it is suspended in the container.

Reagents may be supplied to and/or removed from a system using acommonly known transport device. The nature of the reagent delivery mayvary with the type of fuel and/or the type of device. For example,solid, liquid, and gaseous reagents may all be introduced in differentmanners. The reagent transport device may be a gas or liquid conduitsuch as a pipe or hose which delivers or removes fuel, such as hydrogengas or methane, from the system and/or from the reagent storage device.Alternatively, the system may comprise a movable gas or liquid storagecontainer, such as a gas or liquid tank, which may optionally bephysically removed from the system after the container is filled withreagent.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” is given its ordinary meaning in theart and may include saturated aliphatic groups, including straight-chainalkyl groups, branched-chain alkyl groups, cycloalkyl (alicyclic)groups, alkyl substituted cycloalkyl groups, and cycloalkyl substitutedalkyl groups. In certain embodiments, a straight chain or branched chainalkyl has about 30 or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C₁-C₃₀for straight chain, C₃-C₃₀ for branched chain), and alternatively, about20 or fewer. Likewise, cycloalkyls have from about 3 to about 10 carbonatoms in their ring structure, and alternatively about 5, 6 or 7 carbonsin the ring structure.

The term “heteroalkyl” is given its ordinary meaning in the art andrefers to alkyl groups as described herein in which one or more atoms isa heteroatom (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and the like).

The term “aryl” is given its ordinary meaning in the art and refers tosingle-ring aromatic groups such as, for example, 5-, 6- and 7-memberedsingle-ring aromatic groups.

The term “heteroaryl” is given its ordinary meaning in the art andrefers to aryl groups as described herein in which one or more atoms isa heteroatom (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and the like). Examples ofaryl and heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl,pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl,triazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl and pyrimidinyl,and the like. It should be understood that, when aryl and heteroarylgroups are used as ligands coordinating a metal center, the aryl andheteroaryl groups may have sufficient ionic character to coordinate themetal center. For example, when a heteroaryl group such as pyrrole isused as a nitrogen-containing ligand, as described herein, it should beunderstood that the pyrrole group has sufficient ionic character (e.g.,is sufficiently deprotonated to define a pyrrolyl) to coordinate themetal center. In some cases, the aryl or heteroaryl group may compriseat least on functional group that has sufficient ionic character tocoordinate the metal center, such as a biphenolate group, for example.

As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include allpermissible substituents of organic compounds, “permissible” being inthe context of the chemical rules of valence known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. In some cases, “substituted” may generally refer toreplacement of a hydrogen with a substituent as described herein.However, “substituted,” as used herein, does not encompass replacementand/or alteration of a key functional group by which a molecule isidentified, e.g., such that the “substituted” functional group becomes,through substitution, a different functional group. For example, a“substituted phenyl” group must still comprise the phenyl moiety andcannot be modified by substitution, in this definition, to become, e.g.,a cyclohexyl group. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituentsinclude acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic andheterocyclic, aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organiccompounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, thosedescribed herein. The permissible substituents can be one or more andthe same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes ofthis invention, the heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogensubstituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compoundsdescribed herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms. Thisinvention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissiblesubstituents of organic compounds.

Examples of substituents include, but are not limited to, lower alkyl,lower aryl, lower aralkyl, lower cyclic alkyl, lower heterocycloalkyl,hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower aryloxy, perhaloalkoxy, aralkoxy, lowerheteroaryl, lower heteroaryloxy, lower heteroarylalkyl, lowerheteroaralkoxy, azido, amino, halogen, lower alkylthio, oxo, loweracylalkyl, lower carboxy esters, carboxyl, -carboxamido, nitro, loweracyloxy, lower aminoalkyl, lower alkylaminoaryl, lower alkylaryl, loweralkylaminoalkyl, lower alkoxyaryl, lower arylamino, lower aralkylamino,lower alkylsulfonyl, lower -carboxamidoalkylaryl, lower-carboxamidoaryl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower haloalkyl, loweralkylaminoalkylcarboxy-, lower aminocarboxamidoalkyl-, cyano, loweralkoxyalkyl, lower perhaloalkyl, lower arylalkyloxyalkyl, and the like.

U.S. Publication No. 20130058857, published Mar. 7, 2013, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/528,449, filed Aug. 29, 2011,by Stern et al., are each herein incorporated by reference.

The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments ofthe present invention, but do not exemplify the full scope of theinvention.

EXAMPLE 1

This example describes a non-limiting system and/or method for affectingthe pH of a solution. The system employed in depicted in FIG. 6 anddescribed in the specification. For this experiment, a two-compartmentflow cell with each compartment having approximately 20 mL of volume.One compartment contained a copper (Cu) electrode while the othercontained a partially oxidized copper electrode. Partial oxidation wasachieved via soaking the copper in a concentrated potassium hydroxidesolution for several days. A black layer of copper oxide (CuO) wasobserved on the surface of the oxidized electrode. The two chambers wereseparated by a Nafion 117 membrane previously soaked in a potassiumnitrate solution with a 20 cm² working area. The chamber was flushedwith copious amount of deionized water then 0.1 molar potassium nitrate.

A 0.1 molar potassium nitrate solution was injected into both sides ofthe flow cell simultaneously at 1 mL/min in each side for 50 minutes. A10 mA current (0.5 mA/cm² current density) was applied via apotentiostat to the system. Voltages increased to approximately 0.7 to0.8 volts during the course of the experiment. Each outlet stream wasfractionated into 5 mL samples and the pH of each fraction was measuredand recorded. A plot of pH versus time based on the 5 mL fractionationof the two outputs can be seen in FIG. 7. Open squares represent theoutlets from the CuO side (cathode) and open circles represent theoutlet from the Cu side (anode). Filled squares and circles representresults from a control experiment done in a substantially similar mannerexcept with no current applied between the anode and cathode.

Anode: Cu+H₂O→CuO+2e⁻

Cathode: CuO+2H⁺+2e⁻→Cu+H₂O

FIG. 8 shows photographs of the system used for this example. Thissystem may find application for use the conversion of CO₂ (e.g., forcapturing CO₂ from a gaseous stream containing a mixture of gases). InFIG. 8, syringe pumps are used to flow solution through both sidessimultaneously in a co-current fashion. The outlet pH is measured overtime (fractioned output). The o-rings are placed on both sides and allowfor placement of a membrane between electrodes. The porous electrodecould be coated with a heterogenous redox agent.

EXAMPLE 2

This example describes a non-limiting system and/or method for affectingthe pH of a solution. For this experiment, a two-compartment flow cellwith each compartment having approximately 20 mL of volume, eachcontaining vitreous carbon foam electrodes, and being separated by aNafion 117 membrane previously soaked in a concentrated sodium chloridesolution was used. The chamber was flushed with copious amount ofdeionized water then 1 molar sodium chloride before being filled withthe working solution. The working solution was contained 1 molar sodiumchloride, 0.01 molar benzoquinone (BQ), and 0.01 molar hydroquinone(BQH₂).

The working solution was injected into both sides of the flow cellsimultaneously at 1 mL/min in each side for 40 minutes. A 10 mA current(0.5 mA/cm² current density) was applied via a potentiostat to thesystem. Voltages increased to approximately 0.3 to 0.5 volts during thecourse of the experiment. Each outlet stream was fractionated into 5 mLsamples and the pH of each fraction was measured and recorded. A plot ofpH versus time based on the 5 mL fractionation of the two outputs can beseen in FIG. 9 a. FIG. 9 b shows the voltage as a function of timeduring the experiment. The pH did not increase significantly in thecathode because of the rapid base-catalyzed degradation of the quinonespecies at high pH values. Evidence of such degradation could be seen bya distinct darkening of the cathode outlet and noticeable precipitate.

Anode: BQH₂→BQ+2H⁺+2e⁻

Cathode: BQ+2H⁺+2e⁻→BQH₂

In FIG. 9 a: Plot of outlet pH values, where benzoquinone is convertedinto hydroquinone at the anode and hydroquinone is converted tobenzoquinone at the cathode. In FIG. 9 b: Plot of the required potentialto maintain a 10 mA current over the course of the experiment. Theincrease in potential results from the increase in the difference of pHvalues between the two cells (e.g., as predicted by the NernstEquation).

EXAMPLE 3

For this experiment, a two-compartment flow cell with each compartmenthaving approximately 20 mL of volume, each containing lead (Pb)electrodes, which had been partially oxidized. Oxidation was achievedvia a potentiostat that applied a 2.5 volt potential difference betweenthe lead electrode and piece of platinum foil for several hours. A darkbrown layer of lead dioxide (PbO₂) was observed on the outside of theelectrodes. The two chambers were separated by a Nafion 117 membranepreviously soaked in a concentrated sodium chloride solution with a 20cm² working area. The chamber was flushed with copious amount ofdeionized water then 0.3 molar sodium sulfate to remove any remainingchloride ions.

A 0.3 molar sodium sulfate solution was injected into both sides of theflow cell simultaneously at 1 mL/min in each side for 50 minutes. A 10mA current (0.5 mA/cm² current density) was applied via a potentiostatto the system. Voltages increased to approximately 2 volts to 3 voltsduring the course of the experiment. After the experiment, the anodeshowed significant quantities of lead dioxide and the cathode showed thepresence of lead sulfate (PbSO₄), which indicates that the leadtransformation, and not water hydrolysis, was the dominantelectrochemical process during the experiment. Each outlet stream wasfractionated into 5 mL samples and the pH of each fraction was measuredand recorded. A plot of pH versus time based on the 5 mL fractionationof the two outputs can be seen in FIG. 10.

Anode: Pb+2H₂O→PbO₂+4H⁺+4e⁻

Cathode: PbO₂+4H⁺+4e⁻→Pb+2H₂O and

PbO₂+4H⁺+SO₄ ²⁻+2e⁻→PbSO₄+H₂O

In FIG. 10: Plot of outlet pH wherein lead is converted into leaddioxide at the anode and lead dioxide is converted to a mixture of leadand lead sulfate at the cathode.

EXAMPLE 4

In this example, the CO₂ capacity of an ethylenediamine (EDA) solutionwas determined as a function of cupric nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) concentration,according to some embodiments. Experiments were conducted with an aminesolution (40 mL) containing one molar ethylenediamine and one molarpotassium nitrate with cupric nitrate concentrations ranging from 0 to0.5 molar. The capacities were measured by contacting the amine solutionwith a 15% CO₂ (balance nitrogen) stream at 66 std. mL/min. The outletcomposition of the gas was measured every 75 seconds with a gaschromatogram to determine how much CO₂ had been removed. Capacities werecalculated after subtracting the dead volume of the system as calculatedby running the experiment with a 1 M potassium nitrate solution with noamine.

These results demonstrate that, in some embodiments, the CO₂ capacitycan be changed from equimolar with the ethylenediamine to near zerocapacity at copper loadings of 0.5 mol Cu²⁺ per mol EDA by changing theconcentration of cupric ions in the solution. From this data, it can bedetermined that by electro-dissolution of a copper electrode, CO₂ can bereleased from an amine solution. In addition, electro-deposition of thecopper back onto the electrode may regenerate the solution's CO₂capacity.

EXAMPLE 5 Prophetic

An aqueous ethylenediamine (e.g., 4 M), sodium chloride (e.g., 2 M), andcupric chloride (e.g., 1 M) working solution may be used to capturecarbon dioxide from post-combustion flue gases of a fossil-fuel boileror furnace. Particulates, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides may bescrubbed before contact with the amine scrubbing system. The scrubbingsystem may contain an absorber similar to that which is currently usedfor acid gas scrubbing with amines. In some embodiments, in place of athermal stripper, the saturated amine solution, containing dissolvedcarbon dioxide, may be pumped (e.g., at ten atmospheres of pressure)into an anode compartment of an electrochemical flow cell (e.g., seeFIGS. 12 a and 12 b). A compartment (e.g., one centimeter thick) may bepacked with a copper-plated carbon felt. The felt may be similar tocarbon felt used in vanadium redox-flow batteries. Several cells may bestacked electrically in series, which may minimize the current andincrease the voltage. A potential (e.g., 0.25 volts) may be applied tothe anode (e.g., with respect to the cathode), which may cause theelectro-dissolution of the copper on the carbon felt. This would reactwith the diamines and release the carbon dioxide from the solution. Thegas bubbles would travel to the top of the flow cell and be directedtowards a series of compressors. The now copper-loaded working solutionmay exit the anode and be pumped into the cathode. The anode and cathodemay be separated by a thin ion-permeable separator. The cathode may bepacked with a copper-plated carbon felt similar to the anode. In someembodiments, e.g., operated with a potential of about -0.25 volts (withrespect to the anode), copper would be electro-deposited on the cathodethus removing it from the working solution. The current density of thissystem through the separator would be about 500 A/m². The solutionleaving the cathode may then be released into the absorber, therebycompleting the cycle. The electrochemical system may be operated at asuitable temperature (e.g., an average temperature of about 65° C.).

EXAMPLE 6

The following example describes non-limiting systems and methods for CO₂capture and related energy efficiency of these systems.

In this example, an analysis of the energy consumption of theelectrochemical process is provided, based on kinetic experimentsresults. This analysis serves to explain the energy landscape of theprocess, to highlight its advantages and to create a roadmap for futuredevelopment and research needs.

The following abbreviations are employed in this example:

-   -   C_(j) ^(bulk) Bulk concentration of species i    -   F Faraday's constant    -   ΔG Gibbs free energy of reaction    -   ΔH Enthalpy of reaction    -   i Current density (A/m²)    -   K Equilibrium constant for CO₂/amine complexation    -   R Universal Gas Constant    -   ΔS Entropy of reaction    -   T Temperature (K)    -   P_(a) Partial pressure of CO₂ on the anode side of the        electrochemical cell    -   P_(F) Partial pressure of CO₂ in the flue gas    -   u_(x) Flow velocity of fluid in the direction perpendicular to        the electrodes    -   v_(j) Stoichiometric coefficient of species i    -   w_(co) ₂ Work of capture per mole of CO₂

Theoretical Basis and Experiments

In this section, energy consumption and losses of the electrochemicalcapture process are outlined, with a brief discussion of relevant modelsand experiments required to estimate and measure these losses.

Thermodynamics: The thermodynamics of capturing CO₂ with amine sorbentsare favorable due to the attractive forces between the basic aminemolecules and the acidic dissolved CO₂. However, the stability of theamine-CO₂ complex poses a significant challenge for large-scale CCSduring solvent regeneration. The thermal absorption and stripping cycleshown in FIG. 13( a) relies in part on an increase in entropy, driven bythe addition of heat, to raise the temperature of an aqueous amine-CO₂complex solution. As the entropic component of the Gibbs free energyincreases, it may dominate the enthalpic interactions between the amineand CO₂ molecules, reducing the complexed fraction as measured by theequilibrium constant of the amine/CO₂ complex. This effect can besummarized by the relationship:

ΔG ⁰ =ΔH ⁰ −TΔS ⁰ =−RT ln K

The released CO₂ is of high purity, and the regenerated amine from thestripper generally is cooled down before it returns to the absorber,usually in a heat exchanger with the cooler stream from the absorber,which is itself heated by this exchange before entering the stripper.However, even with significant heat recovery, the thermal aminestripping process can consume large amounts of energy, more than 50 kJof electrical energy equivalent per mole of CO₂ captured and compressed.The fundamental nature of the stripping process and its reliance on anincrease in entropy can result in that high consumption.

In contrast, the electrochemically-mediated amine regeneration processrelies in part on competitive complexation of amines by Lewis acids thatcan cycle between active and inactive states under the action ofelectric voltage. In one non-limiting embodiment of this process, metalions capable of strongly chelating amine molecules are formed from ametal surface under anodic current. The affinity of amines for theformed metal ions can allow for rapid release of CO₂ and formation ofamine/metal ion complexes. For example, the stability constant of thecopper complex with ethylenediamine (EDA) is on the order of 10¹⁸.

Under a cathodic current, the metal ions can be reduced to metal atoms,deposited onto a cathode surface, and regenerating the amine solvent forrecycling into the absorber. Thus, instead of relying in part on anincrease in entropy to separate amines from CO₂, the electrochemicalprocess introduces a more favorable enthalpic interaction. FIGS. 13-14contrast the thermal and electrochemical processes at the molecularscale.

In FIG. 13: (a) A molecular schematic of the thermal amine strippingprocess. An amine solvent at low temperature captures CO₂ from a gaseousmixture to from a complex, which is then dissociated at high temperatureto regenerate the solvent. (b) A simple molecular schematic of anexample of the electrochemical amine regeneration process. An aminesolvent at low temperature captures CO₂ from a gaseous mixture to from acomplex. The complex is then dissociated by competitive complexation bya metal ion formed by oxidation of a metal electrode. After the releasedgaseous CO₂ is separated from the aqueous solution, the metal ions areremoved from the amine complex by electrochemical deposition on thesurface of the metal electrode.

The thermodynamic work of capture in the electrochemical process for anexample system utilizing copper metal and ethylenediamine (EDA) can becomputed from:

$W_{{CO}_{2}} = {{RT}\; {\ln \left( {1 + \frac{K_{{CO}_{2}}P_{a}}{P_{O}}} \right)}\left( {1 + \frac{K_{{CO}_{2}P_{F}}}{P_{O} + {K_{{CO}_{2}}P_{F}}}} \right)}$

Experimentally, the same quantity can be determined by measuring theopen circuit potential for copper under both argon and CO₂-saturatedenvironments and subtracting the two values. This open circuit voltagedifference generally arises from the differences in copper ionconcentration between the two identical electrodes under anodic (CO₂rich) and cathodic (CO₂ free) conditions. The open circuit potential canthus be a measure of the energetic penalty of dissociating thecopper-amine complex in the presence and absence of CO₂

Electrochemical Kinetics: FIG. 14. shows a molecular schematic of thedissolution and deposition processes in the electrochemical cell. On theanode side, the metal (in this case copper) is oxidized to form copperions according to the half reactions:

Cu→Cu⁺+e⁻

Cu⁺=Cu²⁺+e

For uncomplexed copper, experiments suggest that the first reaction isfast and the second step is rate determining. Once the copper ions areformed, the reaction with amines is generally rapid, driven by the largethermodynamic driving force, as evidenced by the high stability complexof the formed complex. CO₂ is then released by the amine molecules ingas form.

In FIG. 14: A schematic of the electrochemical cell component of theelectrochemical amine recovery process. The right hand side of the celldepicts the anode section, where metal ions formed at the surface of theelectrode chelate amine molecules and break their complex with CO₂. Onthe left hand side of the cell, metal ions are deposited on the metalsurface in the cathode side of the cell.

The aqueous solution of the copper amine complex enters the cathode sideof the electrochemical cell once the gaseous CO₂ is separated in asimple flash tank. A cathodic current reduces the copper from its aminecomplex to deposit copper atoms according to the reactions:

Cu²⁺[Am]₂+2e ⁻→Cu+2[Am]

CO₂ capture in the context of power stations is generally large-scale;consequently, the feasibility of a CO₂ capture process is partly afunction of its ability to operate at scale.

For an electrochemical process, a major metric of scalability is thecurrent density at which the process can operate efficiently. Theactivation overpotentials represent the energetic penalty of operating aprocess at a rapid rate of reaction, as measured by the current density.A scalable electrochemical process is ideally able to operate at highcurrent densities (above 500 A/m²) without requiring high overpotentials(e.g., no more than about 100 mV per electrode).

For the electrochemically-mediated amine regeneration process, both thedissolution and deposition of the metal ions is ideally facile if theprocess is to be feasible. To explore the prospects for effectivemodulation of copper deposition and dissolution in the presence ofamines, galvanostatic pulse experiments were performed following theprocedures described in Example 7. See also E. Mattsson and J. O.Bockris, “Galvanostatic Studies of the Kinetics of Deposition andDissolution in the Copper+Copper Sulphate System,” Trans. Faraday Soc.,vol. 55, p. 1586-1601, 1959, herein incorporated by reference.

Transport: Transport overpotentials generally represent energy lossesdue to the concentration difference between the bulk solution and theelectrode surface in an electrochemical system. That concentrationdifference is usually a result of diffusion limitations of ions to theelectrodes. An analysis of the performance of a flat plate electrodesystem for the electrochemical process was based on an integral solutionto the partial differential diffusion equation, based on the assumptionsof fully developed parabolic flow between two parallel, infinitely wideplates. The surface flux due to the formation of copper ions or theconsumption of copper-amine complexes was captured by the Butler-Volmerequation. The equations describing the transport for each species i canbe written as:

${u_{x}\frac{\partial C_{j}}{\partial x}} = {D_{j}\frac{\partial^{2}C_{j}}{\partial y^{2}}}$

-   -   with the boundary conditions:

C_(j)(x = 0, y) = C_(j)^(bulk)${\frac{\partial C_{j}}{\partial y}_{y = 0}} = {{- v_{j}}\frac{i}{{nFD}_{j}}}$${\frac{\partial C_{j}}{\partial y}_{y = H}} = 0$

where u_(x) is the flow velocity in the direction parallel to theelectrode, D_(i) is the diffusion coefficient of species i, C_(j)^(bulk) is the inlet concentration of the electrochemically activespecies, v_(i) is the stoichiometric coefficient of the correspondingspecies, x=0 represents the inlet zone, y=0 represents the electrodesurface, y=H represents the center line between the plates, which iswhere the separator is located. The first boundary condition representsthe inlet conditions; the second describes the flux at the surface,while the third describes the zero flux across the separator condition.

For the porous electrode systems, a volume-averaged approach wasutilized with the assumption of perfect mixing in the direction normalto the flow.

Compression and Pumping: In order to transport captured CO₂ to its finallocation for sequestration in saline formations, for enhanced oilrecovery, or for utilization in other ways, it may be necessary to becompressed to around 150 bars. The theoretical energy (assuming an idealcompressor) required to compress CO₂ at ambient conditions to 150 barsis around 10 kJ per mole CO₂ compressed. Assuming a compressorefficiency of around 65%, compression energy around 15 kJ of electricalenergy equivalent per mole of CO₂ compressed may be reached.

For the thermal amine stripping process, CO₂ desorption from aminesgenerally occurs at pressures close to atmospheric pressure. A furtherincrease in pressure may increase the CO₂ partial pressure andconsequently, render desorption harder. One of the main advantages ofthe electrochemical process is its ability to desorb CO₂ under highpressure, since the dissociation kinetics of CO₂ from amines under theaction of metal ions are fast and driven by a large thermodynamic force(due to the strong amine affinity for the metal ions). Consequently, andbased on previous analysis of irreversible losses due to there-absorption of CO₂ in the solution under the higher desorptionpressure, the energy consumption of the electrochemical process underpressures up to 10 bars did not significantly change with the increasein pressure.

Here, the energy savings due to operating desorption at higher pressuresby calculating the work of compression from the desorber pressure isestimated to be 150 bars using the Peng-Robinson equation of state as afirst approximation, and including the pumping energy consumption of theaqueous solution up to the desorber pressure.

Results and Discussion

For the electrochemical process, experimental results and thermodynamicmodels have suggested that the minimum energy consumption for cyclingcopper in the presence and absence of CO₂ can be as low as 15 kJ permole of CO₂ captured. Under different electrolytes, experimentalmeasurements of open circuit potential under 50% copper loading and atemperature of 25° C. (Table 1) yielded values of around 250 mV, whilelower open circuit potentials were possible by going to slightly highertemperatures (around 55° C.).

TABLE 1 Open circuit potential title measurements (+/−0.02 V) underdifferent electrolytes for the copper-EDA system at 25° C. and 50%copper loading demonstrate energy consumption for separation of 250 mV.NaNO₃ NaCl NaBr Argon 0.47 0.47 0.48 CO₂ 0.20 0.23 0.23

Activation overpotentials for the copper-EDA system under nitrateelectrolytes were found to be around 200 mV for anodic dissolution and100 mV for cathodic deposition for a high current density of 1000 A/m²at 55° C. Under these conditions, the energy required to run theelectrochemical process at industrially feasible rates would be around50 kJ of electrical energy equivalents per mole of CO₂ captured, notincluding transport overpotentials or compression energy.

The effect of electrolyte additives has been found to reduce activationoverpotentials significantly. FIG. 15 shows the voltage-current profilein the presence and absence of CO₂ under sodium bromide. Theoverpotentials required were as low as 90 mV for anodic dissolution(under CO₂) and 80 mV for cathode deposition (under argon, representingthe case where CO₂ is absent).

In FIG. 15: Current-voltage profile for 1M copper-2M EDA system at 55°C. measured using galvanostatic pulses in the presence and absence ofCO₂. The overpotentials required for a high current density of around1000 A/m² were significantly lower than in the baseline case of anitrate electrolyte.

Estimation of the transport overpotentials calculated by the methodsoutlined above suggests that the flat plate electrode system may operateat less than 100 mV per electrode. To reduce transport overpotentialsfurther porous electrodes could be utilized, which could require lessthan 50 mV per electrode for high current densities.

Estimation of compression and pumping energy required for to producecarbon dioxide at a pressure of 150 bars as required for transportationto sequestration sites demonstrate the advantages of operating theelectrochemical desorption cell at higher pressures. On the assumptionof 65% efficiency for both processes, with the anode operated atpressures above 9 bars, the total compression and pumping energy may bereduced from 15 kJ per mole to around 10 kJ per mole of CO₂ compressedto 150 bars.

The expected overall energy consumption of the electrochemical processby summation of the thermodynamic limit, the activation and transportoverpotentials, and the compression and pumping energy may be estimated.Based on the estimates discussed above for the copper-EDA examplesystem, the overall energy consumption by the activation overpotentialsat high rates of reactions is around 20 kJ/mole, with further energysavings possible by choice of additives. Compression and pumping energyrequirements for the process may be significantly minimized, asdesorption can be done at high pressures may be dominated.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis described in this example suggests that the electrochemicalprocess at its current performance can operate at efficienciescomparable to, or higher than, those achieved with the thermal aminestripping process. The major losses in the process may be a result ofthe high activation overpotentials required to drive high currentdensities. Operation of the electrochemical cell at high pressures mayresult in significant energy savings, by reducing the compression energyrequirements. The energetic advantages of the electrochemical process,along with its plug and play nature, promise lower carbon capture costsand simpler implementation.

EXAMPLE 7

Materials and Methods: The following example provides additional detailsregarding full methods and systems employed in Examples. Solutions wereprepared with distilled and deionized 18 MQ water (Milli-Q). Allchemicals used were purchased from either Sigma-Aldrich or VWR. Thebackground electrolytes used were sodium nitrate (NaNO₃, purity>99%),sodium chloride (NaCl, purity>99%), sodium bromide (NaBr, purity>99%),ammonium bromide (NH₄Br, purity>99%), ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl,purity>99%) and potassium chloride (KCl, purity>99%). Cupric ions wereadded to solutions through the addition of copper nitratesemi(pentahydrate) (Cu(NO₃)₂, purity>98%), copper sulphate (CuSO₄,purity>99%), or copper chloride (CuCl₂, purity>97%). All amines usedwere of at least 99% purity. Sulfuric acid solutions were prepared froma 2.5 M solution purchased from Sigma-Aldrich.

Electrochemical experiments were performed using a three electrode setupcontrolled by a Princeton Applied Science VersaStat 3 potentiostat. Theworking electrode was a 3.1 mm diameter rod of copper alloy 101 (99.99%copper). The length of the copper rod was sheathed by heat-shrink FEPinsulation, which was then wrapped with a copper mesh that acted as thereference electrode. Another layer of insulation was placed around thereference electrode, which was covered by another layer of copper meshthat acted as the counter electrode. This construction was chosen tominimize uncompensated resistances between the reference and the workingelectrode by minimizing the distance between all the electrodes. Thesymmetrical design also promotes a uniform current density distributionon the electrode surface. The three electrodes were held in place bysetting them in a modified number 4 rubber stopper.

Galvanostatic Pulse Experiments: The electrochemical kinetics of copperdeposition and dissolution were investigated with constant-currentpulses from 1250 A/m² to 0.25 A/m². Cathodic pulses were generallyperformed before anodic pulses.

Pulses were performed in order starting with the highest currentdensities. The length of a pulse was related to the current density.Experiments with current densities ≧125 A/m² had pulse lengths of 0.01seconds. For pulses≦125 A/m², the total applied charge density was keptconstant at 1.25 C/m². Therefore, lower current densities hadprogressively longer pulse lengths with a maximum length of 5 secondsfor the 0.25 A/m² pulses.

Before a set of pulses was performed, the electrode was polished using20 μm polishing paper. The electrode was then electroplated in thesolution at 15 A/m² for 10 minutes. For experiments under inertatmosphere, argon was bubbled into the cell during both the pulsing andthe electroplating steps. For experiments under CO₂, the solutions weresaturated for 15 minutes prior to plating and the CO₂ was bubbled in forthe duration of the plating and pulse experiments. All experiments used10 mL of solution and were gently stirred. Temperature was controlledthrough submerging the electrochemical cell in a temperature regulatedoil bath. For each pulse, 1000 data points were taken.

One condition, 1M EDA with 0.25M Cu(NO₃)₂ with 1M NaNO₃ under argon at55° C., was repeated eight times. The standard deviation of a singleexperiment was approximately 20% of the average. Since most experimentswere performed two or three times, this leads to a standard deviation ofthe reported averages of about 15% of the average are assumed.

Dynamic Analysis of Pulse Experiments: The potential results from aseries of cathodic pulses are shown in FIG. 16 a. Near steady-statebehavior was observed for each of these pulses after 10 ms. An exampleof the data obtained for a single constant current cathodic pulse isshown in FIG. 16 b. During the first millisecond of the experiment, thechange in potential is significant due to the solution resistance anddouble-layer capacitance.

In FIG. 16: a) Current and potential as a function of time for a singlegalvanostatic pulse. b) Potential as a function of time for a series ofgalvanostatic pulses from 1250 A/m² to 125 A/m². All pulses in a 0.5MH₂SO₄ and 0.25M CuSO₄ solution under argon at 55° C.

The dynamics of the galvanostatic pulses were assumed to follow the RCcircuit shown in FIG. 17. In this circuit, R_(u) is the uncompensatedresistance of the solution and C_(DL) is the double layer capacitance.The resistances R₁ and R₂ account for the non-constant resistance ofcharge transfer for the electro-deposition or electro-dissolutionreactions. C₂ can be thought of as the consumption or creation of eitheran intermediate species or an oxidized surface layer, which then leadsto a change in the resistance (from R₁ to R₁+R₂) with a time constant ofτ₂=R₂C₂. This circuit was chosen because it models the commonly observeduncompensated resistance and double layer capacitance, while allowingthe charge transfer resistance to be described by a sigmoidal function.

In FIG. 17: Equivalent RC circuits used to model the dynamic behavior ofthe galvanostatic pulses.

If it is assumed that R₁C_(DL)<<R₂C₂, then we can safely decouple thetwo parallel RC elements can be decoupled resulting in the circuit ofFIG. 16 b. The voltage response for a constant current pulse of thiscircuit is

$\begin{matrix}{{\eta (t)} = {i\left\lbrack {R_{u} + {R_{1}\left( {1 - ^{- \frac{t}{R_{1}C_{DL}}}} \right)} + {R_{2}\left( {1 - ^{- \frac{t}{R_{2}C_{2}}}} \right)}} \right\rbrack}} & 1.1\end{matrix}$

The double layer capacitances are typically around 10⁻⁴ F/cm² withresistances on the order of 10Ω With an electrode of 0.08 cm², themiddle term in Eq. 1 has an RC time constant of approximately 0.1milliseconds. Therefore, at short times (below 0.05 millisecond), theuncompensated resistance and capacitive effects are dominant and thefirst and middle terms can be linearized to yield a linear dependence ofvoltage on time:

$\begin{matrix}{{\eta \left( {t \leq {50\mspace{14mu} \mu \; s}} \right)} = {i\left\lbrack {R_{u} + \frac{t}{C_{DL}}} \right\rbrack}} & 1.2\end{matrix}$

Using Eq. 1.2, the uncompensated resistance and capacitance values foreach set of pulses from the short time data for the pulses with currentdensities, i≧250 A/m² can be estimated. The short time linearresistances for a set of high current density pulses for a 1N H₂SO₄solution with 0.25 M CuSO₄ at 55° C. was plotted. The linear fit showedexcellent precision in the estimates of the uncompensated resistance(the y-intercept). Uncompensated resistance values obtained through thismethod agreed well with values measured with impedance spectroscopy.

For each pulse, the values of R₁, R₂, and C₂ were obtained by fittingEq. 1.1 to the data, R_(u) and C_(DL) constant at theirpreviously-estimated values.

The potentials demonstrated approach towards steady state during the0.01 second pulses. The capacitive effects make an impact during theinitial one or two milliseconds, and limitations due to diffusionaltransport were not observed even at 1250 A/m².

The pseudo steady-state overpotentials for each pulse, which will beused for all of the I/V results, were calculated by extrapolation of Eq.1.1 to infinite time after subtraction of the uncompensated resistance,

η(t→∞)=i(R ₁ +R ₂)   1.3

where R₁ and R₂ are obtained through the curve fitting proceduredescribed above

Consideration of Transport Limitations: To ensure operation within anon-transport limited regime, the limiting current density as a functionof time was be calculated based on the similarity solution forsemi-infinite diffusion. Eq. 1.4 shows the limiting current, i_(Limit),which equals the limiting Cu²⁺ flux multiplied by 2F.

$\begin{matrix}{i_{Limit} = {2{F\left( \frac{D}{\pi \; t} \right)}^{1/2}C_{0}}} & 1.4\end{matrix}$

Integration of Eq. 1.4 over time, yields the total charge transportedduring a pulse, Q_(Limit), of a diffusion limited system as a functionof the pulse length as shown in Eq. 1.5.

$\begin{matrix}{Q_{Limit} = {4{F\left( \frac{Dt}{\pi} \right)}^{1/2}C_{0}}} & 1.5\end{matrix}$

The copper ion complex diffusivity may be estimated by literaturereports of copper sulfate diffusivity is water. Based on an estimatedcupric ion complex diffusivity of 10⁻⁹ m²/s and a copper concentrationof 0.25M, the maximum ratio of charge transferred during a pulse todiffusion limited charge is 0.07 for the 1250 A/m² pulse. Experiments atlow temperatures, which could have slower diffusivities, and experimentswith different copper concentrations could have higher ratios; ingeneral, it was assumed that transport limitations were not significantunder these conditions.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been describedand illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunctions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatall parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the teachings of thepresent invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, manyequivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention describedherein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoingembodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within thescope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention maybe practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Thepresent invention is directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe scope of the present invention.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionallybe present other than the elements specifically identified by the“and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elementsspecifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus,as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used inconjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, inone embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and the like are to be understoodto be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only thetransitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, asset forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent ExaminingProcedures, Section 2111.03.

1. A system for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction, comprising: a pH-adjustment zone comprising a solutioncontaining a complexation agent capable of associating and/ordisassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from the solution uponexposure to an electrical potential, wherein the solution comprises atleast one additive; and a reaction zone in fluid connection with the pHadjustment zone, wherein the reaction zone comprises components andreagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the additive is a saltcomprising the structure [M]^(p+)[X]^(p−) or n[M]^(m+)m[X]^(n−), wherein[M]^(p+) and [M]^(m+) are cations, [X]^(p−) and [X]^(n−) are anions,each p is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and m and n are different and are 1, 2, 3, or4.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pH-influenced reactioninvolving the conversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the complexation agent comprises copper and thesolution further comprises a primary amine.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the additive comprises sodium bromide or ammonium bromide.
 6. Asystem for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction, comprising: a pH-adjustment zone comprising a solution and aporous electrode, wherein the solution contains a complexation agentcapable of associating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base toand/or from the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential, andwherein at least a portion of the complexation agent intercalates intoand/or de-intercalates from the electrode during operation of thesystem; and a reaction zone in fluid connection with the pH-adjustmentzone, wherein the reaction zone comprises components and reagents forcarrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the pH-influenced reaction involving theconversion of CO₂ to a dissolved species
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the complexation agent comprises copper and the solution furthercomprises a primary amine.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein thesolution further comprises at least one additive.
 10. A method,comprising: providing a system comprising a pH-adjustment zone and areaction zone in fluid connection with the pH-adjustment zone, whereinthe pH-adjustment comprises a complexation agent and wherein thereaction zone comprises components and reagents for carrying out apH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction, and wherein thesystem further comprises at least one additive; exposing thecomplexation agent in the pH-adjustment zone to an electrical potential,wherein the complexation agent associates and/or disassociates an acidand/or base to and/or from the solution upon exposure to the electricalpotential and causes the pH of the solution to increase or decrease,thereby forming a pH-selected solution having a selected pH; and flowingthe pH-selected solution to the reaction zone, wherein the chemicaland/or biological reaction is influenced by the pH of the pH-selectedsolution, and wherein the chemical and/or biological reaction causes thepH of the pH-selected solution to decrease or increase.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein the additive is a salt comprising the structure[M]^(p+)[X]^(p−) or n[M]^(m+)m[X]^(n−), wherein [M]^(p+) and [M]^(m+)are cations, [X]^(p−) and [X]^(n−) are anions, each p is 1, 2, 3, or 4,and m and n are different and are 1, 2, 3, or
 4. 12. The method of claim10, wherein the pH-influenced reaction involving the conversion of CO₂to a dissolved species
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thecomplexation agent comprises copper and the solution further comprises aprimary amine.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the additivecomprises ammonium bromide.
 15. A method, comprising: providing a systemcomprising a pH-adjustment zone and a reaction zone in fluid connectionwith the pH-adjustment zone, wherein the pH-adjustment comprises acomplexation agent and wherein the reaction zone comprises componentsand reagents for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biologicalreaction, and wherein the system comprises at least one porouselectrode; exposing the complexation agent in the pH-adjustment zone toan electrical potential, wherein the complexation agent associatesand/or disassociates an acid and/or base to and/or from the solutionupon exposure to the electrical potential and causes the pH of thesolution to increase or decrease, thereby forming a pH-selected solutionhaving a selected pH, and wherein at least a portion of the complexationagent intercalates into and/or de-intercalates from the porous electrodeduring the exposing step; and flowing the pH-selected solution to thereaction zone, wherein the chemical and/or biological reaction isinfluenced by the pH of the pH-selected solution, and wherein thechemical and/or biological reaction causes the pH of the pH-selectedsolution to decrease or increase.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe pH-influenced reaction involving the conversion of CO₂ to adissolved species
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the complexationagent comprises copper and the solution further comprises a primaryamine.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the solution furthercomprises at least one additive.